Here's Why Your Period Is A Month Late, Again

My Period: Guess who’s back again!

Me: Ugh, can we not do this today?

My Period: Okay if you want me to come back in 9 months, no wahala.

Me: ….

My Period: ….

I think most of us have a love/hate relationship with our periods. You don’t ask for it, yet it shows up at the door of your vagina every month with the worst pain, like who even invited you? Then the very month you need it to be there, it literally disappears. Now you are on your bed on a Thursday night, wondering when and where your period has gone and why its days or even weeks late. You start debating becoming celibate along with your other lifestyle choices, begging nature to bring your period and put an end to your fears.

We have all been there, and it is an exhausting place to be.

Most of the time, there are more reasons than the obvious one as to why your period is late. Before jumping to conclusions, here is a list of possible reasons why your period does not quite want to see you this month.

1. Stress

Sometimes, it could be stress causing irregularities in your menstrual cycle. If you have been under a lot of pressure recently, either physically and/or emotionally, then it is a pretty valid reason for your cycle to be late this month. It is your body’s way of saying – “hey, you’re going through a tough time right now and I see it”. Remember to breathe, take breaks often, and treat yourself with kindness.

P.S: It better not be Nigerian men and toxic relationships stressing you, because now we know why your period is running away. Run too, sis.

2. Excessive Weight Change

If you have gained or lost a lot of weight recently, you might also experience irregularities in your menstrual cycle. This is typically because, having a lot of weight affects the body’s hormone and insulin level. On the other hand, excessive weight loss means your body is not getting the right amount of calories it requires to function. This can very much interfere with your reproductive system, and reduce the production of hormones your body needs for ovulation.

Read: 4 Very Obvious Signs You’re Ovulating

3. Birth Control Pills

Pills and medications have also been proven to be a reason for period delays. Birth Control Pills and IUDs are great for our self-protection but the downside is they can very much affect your menstrual cycle. Usually, taking these pills should result in lighter periods (this, I can live with) but some other times, you just might skip an entire cycle (this, not so much). Apart from the sister pills, other medications like aspirin, blood thinners, hormone therapy and chemotherapy can cause period delays.

4. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder common among women who are basically old enough to give birth and is caused by the imbalance of hormones. The hormonal imbalance then creates problems in the ovaries. Medical professionals have noted that it indicates a high level of male hormones which prevents the ovaries from producing eggs the way it should. There are so many women all over the world, dealing & living with PCOS and the need for its proper education cannot be over-emphasized. Although PCOS cannot be cured, the symptoms can be managed by living a healthy lifestyle and taking medications as directed by your doctor. If you notice symptoms such as irregularity in your menstrual cycle, excess hair growth, acne and excessive weight gain, please check in with your Gynecologist. PCOS if left untreated, could lead to serious health problems. Stay safe out there ladies, the streets are hard enough.

5. Developing Ovaries

Still on the topic of Ovaries, another reason you may not have seen your period this month could be because your ovaries might not be fully developed just yet. It is easy to get swooned by your age (if you’re currently in your 20s) or body size. However, the outer look of your body is not always a reflection of your body’s anatomy. Of course, with still-developing ovaries, there is a high possibility of missing your menstrual cycle every now and then. However, if this persists, please consult with your Gynecologist.

6. Emergency Contraceptive Pills

The morning after pill may only delay your period by up to one week, so if its been up to a month after taking an emergency pill and you still haven’t gotten your period, please refer to the next point.

7. You’re Pregnant!

Congratulations babe! Gotta love parenthood. This would be a great time to pick out baby names. I have always thought Lydia would be a nice name for a girl, and Jamil for a boy – Jam Jam for short. Preferably, you can borrow my name – seeing as I helped you confirm the good news, yes?

Read: The 7 Stages Of A Pregnancy Scare

Okay seriously, don’t panic. There are other medical reasons for a late period. Always contact your Gynecologist for expert evaluation and clarity.